Back-to-school maintenance: Get your suspension checked
Getting ready to go back to school? Make sure your car’s suspension is ready too!
Even if you won’t be doing a school commute, September is a great time to run through your vehicle’s maintenance checklist and confirm you’re ready for the change of seasons.
This is the time to check that all parts of your vehicle are working properly, including your suspension. Without a healthy suspension, it can be harder to control your vehicle, putting your safety at risk.
In this article, we’ll go over some common signs your suspension needs an inspection, what causes these problems, and how you can maintain this crucial part of your vehicle.
Undesirable suspension symptoms
Your suspension may show signs that it’s not working properly. These vary from strange sounds to uncomfortable bumps.
Loose handling/steering wheel
If one of your suspension’s components fails, your vehicle may try to “wander”: instead of following a straight line, it may feel like you’re pulling to one side.
This can also be a sign of steering misalignment, so it’s important you have a professional diagnose the issue.
Squeaking or clanking sounds
Strange noises from any part of your car are always a concern. If you hear squeaking, clanking, or knocking sounds coming from your vehicle’s suspension, the bushings may be failing.
Uncomfortable ride
If you suddenly notice every bump in the road as you drive, it’s likely your suspension is suffering. Your car should provide a smooth, even ride. Moreover, if you’re feeling off-balance even on smooth roads, your suspension and tires need to be checked.
Leaning to one side
Your car should sit flat and level when parked on an even road. If it’s heavily leaning to one side (or backward or forward), the suspension may be off. You can confirm this by checking the wheel wells to see if the space between each tire and the body of the car is the same. If it’s not, take the vehicle in for an inspection.
Causes of suspension problems
Many suspension issues result from general wear and tear. Any time you drive over speed bumps, loose gravel, or potholes, your vehicle’s wheels and suspension work hard to keep you steady. Eventually, this takes a toll on the vehicle and its parts.
The suspension’s struts, springs, and shocks are all at risk of damage when you drive, especially if you go over rough roads. If left untreated, these damaged parts can seriously affect your car’s performance and efficiency.
To catch suspension problems before they develop into something more serious, have your suspension checked by a NAPA AUTOPRO technician at least once per year. If you consistently drive on rough terrain, you may need more frequent inspections.
Suspension maintenance
Other than getting regular inspections, you can help keep your suspension in good shape with a thorough maintenance routine and good driving habits.
An easy way to keep your suspension healthy is to check your tire pressure and tread depth each month. Getting your tires rotated roughly every 10,000 km (or twice per year) and wheels aligned every year is also highly recommended. You can read about the differences between tire rotation and wheel alignment here.
Whenever possible, avoid driving over potholes and bumps in the road. If you must pass over them, do so slowly and carefully. The same advice applies when driving on rough/loose roads.
If an AUTOPRO technician determines one of your suspension components needs replacing, don’t delay. Timely replacements can prevent further damage and mitigate risks to your safety.
To get your suspension assessed or for any other advice on maintaining this part of your vehicle, visit a NAPA AUTOPRO service centre.
Photo: iStock-1198265883